England fans throw plastic cups towards Southgate and BOO as he applaud the fans

Plastic beer glasses were thrown at Gareth Southgate as he applauded the England fans following his side’s draw with Slovenia.

England were once again below par in Cologne, struggling to break down their opponents throughout and managing just four shots on target in their bid to guarantee their spot as Group C winners.

They did that, but with a point rather than a win, drawing 0-0, the result mirrored in the other game between Denmark and Serbia, sending the Danes through and Serbs out.

Three Lions fans could be heard loud throughout the game in the Cologne Stadium, backing their side throughout another tepid showing from the pre-tournament favourties.

Southgate went over to thank the fans at full time, but was met by a number of plastic cups being launched his way, supposedly showing signs of frustration from the Three Lions supporters.

The England boss nontheless clapped the supporters, embracing his players as confirmation came through that they had topped the group.

England’s players were booed off at both half and full time, and have managed just two goals in their three games in a group many had expected them to walk.

They will now likely face The Netherlands in the last 16 on Sunday, though could face the third-placed team from Group E.

Southgate seemed unfazed by the cups thrown his way, stepping close to one as he continued his applause towards the supporters.

A number of fans had already left the ground, with the stand half empty for the appreciation.

A line of stewards could also be seen between the fans and players, though none of them appeared to react when the cups were thrown.

It was a match bereft of chances as Cole Palmer’s curled effort in the 89th minute came the closest to opening the scoring after the Chelsea man was introduced for his first minutes at the tournament.

But in truth even that was easily collected by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, with a Slovenia boot threatening to cause the most issues.

Despite the supposed lack of threat in attack again, Southgate insisted his side were better than they had been in their previous two games.

‘We were much improved with the ball,’ he said. ‘We’ve created some good openings and at the minute it hard work for us. We’re not quite getting that break of the ball.

‘The boys that came on for us had a good game and we’ve had the discipline to keep a clean sheet which means we’ve topped the group. I understand some reactions but it’s the strange environment we’re playing in.

‘We have to take one step at a time. Tonight was an improvement. We have to improve to get through in the next round clearly.

But we have topped the group and that was the objective at the start.

‘So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues coming into the tournament. The likes of Marc Guehi and the way the defence has played has been a huge positive and something to build on.’